Spectrum: Global footprints and their impact on the environment have been talked about a lot in recent months. The bicycle undoubtedly offers a very good solution to many of the world's complex problems. However, it must not be forgotten that the bicycle industry also leaves a footprint. A problem that Trek faces responsibly. In a sustainability report, the brand shows the first steps to help combat the climate crisis.
When it comes to bicycles, we are particularly aware that products that are useful for people and the planet also leave a footprint. In order to combat the global climate crisis, there must be no exceptions here either - on the contrary, the bicycle industry in particular should set a good example. The Trek brand has also recognized this and carried out its first emissions audit last year. Based on the results, a plan was drawn up in order to be able to act in a more environmentally conscious and sustainable manner. The now published sustainability report explains the results and shows the measures that Trek has taken to reduce the footprint. The plan rests on ten fundamental pillars, ranging from manufacturing to distribution to increasing bicycle use on the road.
Trek Sustainability Report: 10-Point Plan to Fight the Climate Crisis
Reduce use of air freight
Air freight has a footprint that is 84 times larger than sea freight. Trek aims to reduce air freight miles by 2024% by 75 through supply chain optimization.
Combine deliveries to dealers
A drastic reduction in driving distances from the distribution center to the dealers is intended to reduce road transport-related emissions. According to Trek, it is currently working on implementing a global strategy for consolidating deliveries by 2024.
Increased use of renewable energies
Trek's headquarters is currently supplied with an energy mix of 60,6% wind, 33,3% biogas and 6,1% solar energy. By 2023, all locations worldwide should be completely converted to renewable energies.
Reduction in business travel
In 2021, Trek has reduced travel to 50% of pre-Covid-19 levels and will continue to limit air travel going forward.
Increased use of alternative materials
Currently, 15 products in the portfolio are made exclusively from recycled materials, with more planned for the near future.
Avoidance of landfill waste at all production sites
In 2020, Trek began tracking and reducing waste at its US manufacturing facility. The knowledge gained from the corresponding processes will be passed on to the distribution centers and dealers as well as the production facility in Germany with the aim of becoming waste-free by 2024.
Construction and protection of new trails
Founded in 2021, the Trek Foundation provides support for the development of bike trails and cycling infrastructure for public use and to protect the land from development.
Plastic waste elimination
In 2020, the Marlin bicycle model was delivered for the first time with a new packaging with 50% less non-recyclable components. The process was extended to much of the bike and accessory packaging, saving 196.700 kilograms of plastic packaging in just one year, according to the manufacturer.
Improving the availability of bike sharing
Since 2009, Trek's BCycle bike-sharing system has been helping to reduce traffic congestion and transport-related emissions in 35 cities, while at the same time offering a healthier and more sustainable transport alternative. This growth is to be accelerated in the future.
Increasing the mode of transport used by bicycles
Trek wants to get more people on bikes. Trek supports initiatives that promote cycling and build better cycling infrastructure.
Everyone can contribute
The fact is, we all have to do our part to combat the climate crisis. One step, for example, is the 692 rule. According to Trek, the CO2 emissions of the bike can be offset by replacing 692 car kilometers with 692 bike kilometers. Conversely, this means: Anything over 692 km makes the bike CO2 negative. The 692 Rule is a guide based on estimated averages of Trek's most popular 2019 bike models. The manufacturer expressly points out that the actual values for the respective model may differ, as each model family causes different emissions costs.
Website: www.trek.com